Saturday, January 09, 2016

#Creative365 Days 1-8

Towards the end of last year, I started a #Crafting365 project, got about a month in, and then forgot to take any pictures for about three weeks. Undeterred by my initial failure, I decided to re-start the challenge on January 1st 2016. This time around I'm doing things a little differently-I will now be doing #Creative365, as I think that gives me more freedom to include and share other creative projects besides crafts. I'm hoping it will encourage me to do more artwork, and to explore other creative outlets such as makeup.

So for day 1 of the challenge, I made new dividers for my new planner! They are made from card which I painted with inks to give an under the sea effect. I then covered them in sticky back plastic, that staple supply of secondary school text books and Blue Peter DIYs. I'm really happy with how they turned out! Hopefully the sticky back plastic will make them more durable.

On day 2 I started a new knitting project, making mittens with the sequinned yarn I bought in Brighton. I've never made anything with sequinned yarn before, so I'm both intrigued and concerned to see how these will turn out!

On day 3 I cut out some fabrics for a mermaid-y sewing project. I'm going to be trying to use up as much fabric as possible this year, so I expect a lot of sewing projects will crop up.

On day 4 I made an extremely extravagant fruity flower crown! I'm not sure what I'll wear it for but it was fun to make and it looks fabulous. I might have to get the elf ears out and dress up again as an excuse to wear this.

On day 5 I was really tired so I just did a few more rows of knitting on my mittens. I'm at a complicated bit now, shaping the thumb!

On day 6 I made a load of polymer clay "crystals". I love making these! I dusted them with shimmery powder eyeshadows to make them extra shiny and iridescent.

On day 7 I baked and varnished the crystals. I'm really happy with how sparkly they turned out!

Then on day 8 I started attaching the polymer clay crystals to a tiara base. I just need to add a few more and I will have a finished crystal crown!

I think #Creative365 is off to a pretty good start, and I'm excited to work on more creative projects over the next week! I find challenges like this are really good for me, as they give me the self discipline to make sure I sit down and focus and do something other than scroll Twitter and watch Netflix. Even five minutes of creativity a day makes so much difference.